When it comes to local eateries, sometimes the best food can be found at the most unique establishments. From the outside, Robie’s Country Store, located at 9 Riverside St. in Hooksett, is seen as a humble red building. Inside the store, a little café called Roots is cranking
out creative breakfast and lunch items in a homey, quaint space.

The structure was built in 1827. It was purchased by George Robie in 1887 and the business stayed in the Robie family until 1997 upon the retirement of fourth generation-owners Lloyd and Dorothy Robie.

The store was given an update in 2016 when Amber and Joshua Enright stepped into the business. “We took it over in January of 2016, but we needed to revamp the interior,” said Amber Enright.

Although the space has been cleaned up a bit, the store still has a charming, old-school feel. Numerous pictures of the Robie family and presidential candidates who have campaigned here, including recent candidates such as Jeb Bush and Chris Christie, adorn the walls. Local products, such as maple syrup, folk art, jams, jellies and locally produced chocolates fill the shelves. The property still serves as an authentic country store.

As for the café, the owners place emphasis on using an extensive array of locally made products.

“A lot of our produce comes from a farm stand located just down the road in Hooksett,” said Enright.

The Elm, served with chickpea salad and an oatmeal raisin cookie (image credit: Nicholas VonSchantz-Ricci)

The bacon, sausage, ground beef, coffee, tea and dairy products are also sourced from New Hampshire businesses.

Breakfast is very popular here. Roots is known for their homemade pancakes, but those who want something more inventive may choose the Southwest Bennie, which features black beans, roasted corn, avocado, pico de gallo, cheddar cheese and poached eggs with sriracha atop grilled cornbread. Other unique offerings include pulled pork hash and a turkey skillet with sweet potato and salsa verde.

The most popular lunch item is the Elm; a wrap filled with house-roasted turkey, bacon, cheddar, avocado, tomato, red onion and mayo. All sandwiches and wraps are served with hand-cut fries, hearty chickpea salad or chips.

Roots also offers homemade baked goods, a wide range of vegetarian options and a full catering menu.

For those searching for locally-sourced eats served in a relaxing and friendly atmosphere, Roots Cafe at Robie’s is the place to be.

Nick is a sophomore majoring in Culinary Management. He loves to cook and he also has in interest in U.S. History and Humanities. He primarily writes news articles, as well as restaurant profiles. In addition to serving as Junior Copy Editor for the Penmen Press, he is the Publicist for SNHU's Culinary Student Association and a member of the Signature Leadership Program.